Home show draws a crowd

Another popular drawing card at the home show was the appearance of Terry Grant, star of the reality-adventure television show Mantracker.

Ferguson estimates Grant drew about 700 people to a pair of presentations Saturday. The rugged cowboy returned for a third appearance Sunday afternoon.

Mantracker boasts numerous ties to the area. Several episodes of the Outdoor Life Network program have been filmed in Algoma. Sault resident Phil Lemieux has appeared as Grant's sidekick. Courses are designed by Sault native Lawrence Foster.

"We were all surprised by the level of enthusiasm from the people who were coming to see him," said Ferguson.

"He has an incredible fan base here locally."

Sunday, March 8, 2009, By Brian Kelly, Sault Star

Here's another name for this year's Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce Home and Outdoor Centre.

The recession-free zone.

A gloomy economy didn't keep local residents at home.

Attendance was up over 2008 with more than 6,000 people estimated to have passed through the Essar Centre over three days ending Sunday.

While exhibitor registration started off slower than usual, there were still 77 participating businesses and organizations. That was good for a sellout, said event manager Don Ferguson. The show was "just shy" of 70 exhibitors in 2008."Businesses are looking for new and creative ways to reach their market," he said Sunday morning.

"Maybe the customer isn't ready to buy now, but they want to ensure that when the customer is ready to buy, they have the information in their hand and they know who to call."Ferguson credits the federal government's Home Renovation Tax Credit for a steady stream of traffic at the downtown arena.

Home owners can get a 15-per-cent tax credit for home, cottage or condominium renovations and retrofits over $1,000 up to a maximum of $10,000.

Art Wilhelm wanted to see more people at his Wardlaw Fuels display, but was pleased by just how serious those who did stop were.

"They're not just kicking tires," said the salesperson and head technician of the Lake Street business.

"They're asking the right questions."

Wilhelm and his co-workers had various products on display, but it was geothermal furnaces that prompted the most questions.

"Right now everybody's after the geothermal," said Wilhelm."Lots of new homes going in, people doing a lot of retrofits."Depending on the equipment chosen, government rebates range from $1,000 to $7,000. Replace doors and windows too and the government incentives keep adding up, Wilhelm added."It's still going to cost you money to do your renovation, but it's not going to cost you as much," he said.

Contacts made at the annual home show can bring in business for Wardlaw four to eight months later.

"We put some effort into it, but we find we get results in the end," said Wilhelm."It's one of our best advertising things, probably the best."

Another popular drawing card at the home show was the appearance of Terry Grant, star of the reality-adventure television show Mantracker.

Ferguson estimates Grant drew about 700 people to a pair of presentations Saturday. The rugged cowboy returned for a third appearance Sunday afternoon.

Mantracker boasts numerous ties to the area. Several episodes of the Outdoor Life Network program have been filmed in Algoma. Sault resident Phil Lemieux has appeared as Grant's sidekick. Courses are designed by Sault native Lawrence Foster.

"We were all surprised by the level of enthusiasm from the people who were coming to see him," said Ferguson.